Overview & Reviews

For 47 years, the Pontiac Bonneville was a constant sight on Pontiac's dealership lots. Very few nameplates have lasted that long, and even fewer belonged to mainstream vehicles that were neither luxury nor sports cars. Like other long-lasting, everyman models from America's domestic automakers, the Bonneville subsequently experienced the major trends that swept through its brand and the auto industry as a whole during its lifetime, serving as a telling chronicle of what we've driven over the years.

Named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah where many land speed record attempts are made, the first Pontiac Bonneville debuted in 1957 as a tail-finned, high-performance convertible based on the Star Chief. It was the brand's top-line model and coupe, sedan and even wagon variants followed shortly thereafter. Through the late 1950s and '60s, the Bonneville earned a reputation for being both luxurious and performance-oriented thanks to generous power outputs from some of its big, muscle-car-era V8s. Today, some of these early Bonnevilles are highly prized as collector cars.

As with other cars during the Nixon era, the Pontiac Bonneville lost its performance edge as new governmental regulations went into effect. The biggest change occurred after the second gas shortage of the 1970s, when for 1977 Pontiac downsized the Bonneville into a more fuel-efficient, full-size car powered by V6 or V8 engines. In the early '80s the nameplate hit an all-time low when it was affixed to GM's midsize car platform, reducing the once-proud Bonneville to a gussied up LeMans. Another metamorphosis occurred in 1987, when the Bonneville returned to full-size status, atop GM's new front-drive family car platform.

This generation and the revamped 1990s Bonny that followed embodied Pontiac's new direction, focusing on exaggerated sporty styling and high-tech gizmos. In terms of sales and image, however, the Bonneville was on a constant slide as fewer consumers were interested in a large, sport-oriented front-wheel-drive sedan. Production finally ended in 2005.

Used-car shoppers interested in a Bonneville will most likely be taking a look at the two most recent generations of the car. In general, these cars provide plenty of interior room and trunk space thanks to their full-size sedan status, and, depending on trim, also offer respectable acceleration and handling. Typical downsides, however, include overwrought interior and exterior styling, some cheap interior materials and dubious build quality.

Most Recent Pontiac Bonneville

The most recent Pontiac Bonneville was produced from 2000-'05. This car's general shape wasn't too different from the car it replaced. But it was sleeker despite retaining some of Pontiac's signature ribbed plastic body cladding -- particularly on the exaggerated SSEi. This look was cleaned up on the V8-powered GXP for 2004, with a more attractive face and cladding-free sheet metal.

Inside, this Bonneville brought the idea of a driver-centered cockpit to new heights with controls angled heavily toward the driver. Dozens of little gray buttons and switches, eight round air vents, six gauges, an information center and an optional head-up display furthered the jet aircraft motif Pontiac was shooting for. This might sound cool, but it was tremendously busy and grew dated quickly.

This generation Bonneville didn't change much during its run. It was initially available in base-level SE, midgrade SLE and top-of-the-line SSEi trim levels. The bottom two trims came with a 3.8-liter V6 (205 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque) and a four-speed automatic transmission. The performance-oriented SSEi boasted a supercharged version of the 3.8 V6, increasing power to 240 hp and 280 lb-ft. These were hardly muscle-car numbers, but the SSEi outperformed other V6-powered large cars of the era like the Chrysler 300M and Lincoln LS. This advantage didn't last long, though, as horsepower numbers in the 2000s rose precipitously.

The SSEi was replaced by the V8-powered GXP in 2004. This 4.6-liter V8 made a healthy 275 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque and was enough to propel this large sedan from zero to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. With that much power sent to the front wheels, the GXP handled it surprisingly well, with decent handling and few complaints about torque steer.

Although this generation's Bonneville was hardly our favorite full-size sedan, it did provide comfortable transportation for up to six passengers while adding in an appreciated amount of style and performance. The SSEi and GXP are the models that driving enthusiasts will want to focus on, but all Bonnevilles suffered from the gizmo-heavy interior and, like most GM cars from this era, inconsistent build quality and cheap, glossy interior plastics.

Past Pontiac Bonneville Models

The previous-generation Pontiac Bonneville was produced from 1992-'99, with a subtle midlife refresh in 1996. It was initially available in base SE, sporty SSE and supercharged SSEi trim levels. An SLE (Sport Luxury Edition) package was available on SE models starting in 1993 and became its own trim level for 1998. The SSEi did the reverse, as it changed from being a trim level to becoming an optional package (on SSE models) in 1994.

The SE and SSE Bonnevilles came standard with a 3.8-liter V6 that made 170 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Those figures grew to 205 hp and 230 lb-ft in 1995. The available supercharged version initially made 205 hp and 260 lb-ft, and those figures swelled to 225 hp and 275 lb-ft in 1994. The supercharged V6 was boosted one more time in 1996 to 240 horses and 280 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic was standard on all engines throughout this generation's lifespan, but SSEi versions starting in 1994 featured "Performance" and "Normal" shift modes that quickened downshift response and raised rpm shift points.

Major equipment changes included standard antilock brakes in 1993 and standard dual airbags in 1994. (Passenger side was previously only standard on the SSEi.) That year also saw the introduction of optional Computer Command Ride, a two-mode system that adjusted suspension performance. Electronic load leveling and keyless entry became standard features on the SSE and optional on the SE in 1997.

Inside, these Bonnevilles were driver-centered like the following generation, but much less busy. Nevertheless, SSE models are remembered for having optional 12-way power seats with lumbar control that included nine dedicated buttons on the center console. We thought this Bonneville was also a decent choice for large-sedan buyers, with sportier styling and more high-tech niceties than most of its competitors.

The previous Pontiac Bonneville was produced from 1987-'91 with styling that was considered quite head-turning for the time. It brought back some of the sportiness that had been sucked out of the Bonny since the 1960s, particularly the SSE model. Like future Bonnevilles, this one also reveled in technology, with the SSE sporting numerous gauges, driver information displays, an abundance of power seat controls and ahead-of-its-time steering-wheel-mounted audio and temperature controls.

User Reviews:

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  A cut above for those who settle for no less - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By pontibonnie - December 3 - 9:11 am

  This is a pretty great car, although i have had for a short time only. I bought it in Nov/2013 with 95,000km (57,000mi) it was completely rust free and fit the price, It needed new air ride shocks in the back, but other then that it was practically new. In the 2 months i have owned it, it has performed well, although the passenger rear door lock has stopped working, otherwise though nothing has broken. it does have its issues, sure, what car doesnt. however, i think it is a great machine for a great price these days and i really am thrilled with my purchase and i encourage anyone looking for a fun, reliable cool looking car to not pass up the 2000-2005 Bonnevilles, theyre great :)

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  Nice Car, But Poor Comfort - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By James - November 27 - 12:30 am

  I bought this car used a couple of months ago and although I like the styling, the seat comfort is horrendous. Do yourself a favor and only buy 2003 and newer as the seats were redesigned and are far superior. Ride quality is good and fuel economy is 26 MPG with mostly highway. Overall, Im happy with the car, but am buying new seats.

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  I love this car! Exept... - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By LoverofALLPontiacs - November 20 - 1:16 am

  I love all Pontiacs. This is my second Pontiac. My first one, 96 Grand Am GT, was crap. I decided to try again. There are many electrical problems, which is typical of Pontiacs. The lights for the controls on the dash work when they want to. Minus the electrical issues, I love this car. More than most Pontiacs. I am 22 and do not feel like I am driving a grandma car because the sporty styling makes up for it being a boat.

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  Update from 7/10/02 - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By 2XBonnie Again - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is an update from my post on 7/10/02. Since then the car has had the following additional issues: 1. A recall for a potential motor gasket failure. Can u believe it? 2. 2 separate electric component failures on the power windows. 3. a leaking power steering hose. 4. an intermitant alternator malfunction (hasnt failed yet). All within 15.5k miles and 21 months of being new. You can decide if this meets your criteria of acceptable quality. Oh yes. The depreciation has been breath-taking. Apparently the market knows something Id wish Id known before buying this car.

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  2002 Bonneville - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By pmdta76 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Bonneville has tight handling and quick reflexes. The suspension/steering package hold this vehicle squarely and securely on the road even in hard cornering, but leaves a smooth ride and feeling of control. The styling is contemporary and makes a stunning visual from any angle. The 3.8L V-6 automatic is smooth and moderately torquey, but can snap the car cleanly and quickly down the highway if need be. The instrumentation is easy to read at a glance and all controls can be accessed without leaning from the drivers seat. Seating is comfortable, but the thigh bolsters and head room are less than previous model years.

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  good old bonnie - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By woodsy - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This has a terrific car. Its fun to drive, has been reliable, and looks good. My only complaint is a small back seat. Very uncomfortable for adults, and definitely too small for 3 people.

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  Choose Wisley - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Iffy - July 4 - 4:50 pm

  This is a good but not great car. I bought it used a year ago and have had some problems. 2 of the windows went down, alternator left me stuck on the side of the road 100 miles from home and now the right front speed sensor is bad. Convert is plugged also. The car has good power and is fun to drive.

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  2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE 4dr 3.8L 6cyl - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Leon - July 2 - 10:10 am

  Bought new 9/2001. bad move. poorly built, just a bad car. Fun to drive when its running. With Goodyear Assurance tires (soft ride), rides like a Cadillac. nice mileage for a big car, decent handling, fairly peppy. But - replaced lower intake manifold gasket twice ($700+ job), 1st time at 35,000 miles, 2nd at 95,000 miles. All 4 electric window units replaced, bad leaking problem, rain leaked into / under 3 of the doors and pooled on the carpeting. 8 trips to dealer. Moon roof was only used 15 times, then the linkage cracked and fell apart. $1200 to fix - I opted to seal it shut with gasket compound. Window washer motor replaced. A lot of rattles. My wife refuses to drive it.

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  cool kar - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By alanfor2 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  this car is a tank! but sooo comfortable. it rides very nice. a very nice design.

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  Brake Eater - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Minnesota Bound - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car was a 2000 at the end of the model year. First 250 miles, complete change out in transmission. Sun Roof has never sealed correctly. On my 4th set of front brakes in 57k miles. Switched to Ceramics…expensive, but seem to last longer with out the black front tires. Trunk lid leaked until missing gaskets replaced. Radio is better suited for AM only. On the plus side. Not you fathers Bonneville. Performance on the SLE is surprising. Gas mileage, outstanding. Feels like you are flying a jet at night with all of the gages and computers. Power drivers seat a must on this car. Great handling with correct tires in the snow and ice.